Tanker crash closes Conn. highway

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., March 26 (UPI) -- Connecticut officials Friday said it could cost as much as $4 million to repair damage to Interstate 95 caused by a tanker explosion in Bridgeport.

Gov. John Rowland declared a state of emergency for Bridgeport and said it will take at least two weeks to repair the overpass bridge, CNN reported.

The tanker, carrying 9,000 gallons of heating oil, collided with a car on the Howard Avenue Overpass Thursday night, then jackknifed and spilled 3,000 gallons of oil before bursting into flames.

The fire generated enough heat to buckle part of the southbound side of the bridge, CNN said.

The driver of the tanker and drivers in surrounding cars got out of their vehicles quickly and sustained only minor injuries.